Start

/ʃtaʁt/
start

Der Start des Projekts ist für nächste Woche geplant.

The start of the project is planned for next week.


neutral

the beginning of an action, process, or event

Der Start der Rakete war erfolgreich.

The rocket's launch was successful.

Zum Start des Films gab es viele Zuschauer.

There were many viewers at the start of the movie.

Used in contexts like launches, projects, events, or timelines. Often interchangeable with 'Beginn' but 'Start' is more dynamic, implying movement or initiation.

Collocations

Startschussstarting signalStartkapitalseed capitalStartseitehomepage (website)Startbahnrunway (airport)

Related Phrases

einen guten Start habenphrase
to get off to a good start
von Start anphrase
from the very beginning

Pro Tip

When to use 'Start' vs. 'Beginn'

'Start' is preferred for dynamic, active beginnings (e.g., 'Der Start der Rakete' = the rocket's launch). 'Beginn' is more neutral and works for abstract or gradual starts (e.g., 'Der Beginn des Jahres' = the beginning of the year). 'Anfang' is interchangeable but often implies a softer, less abrupt start.

Gold Rule

Capitalization in German

Nouns in German are always capitalized, including 'Start'. This rule applies to all compound nouns like 'Startschuss' or 'Startkapital'.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'start', originally meaning 'a leap or bound' (related to English 'start' in the sense of sudden movement). Borrowed from Old English 'steort' (tail, rear), but the modern sense evolved in German via the idea of 'taking off' or 'leaping into action'.

Usage Notes

In German, 'Start' is commonly used in technical, sports, and business contexts. It is slightly more dynamic than 'Beginn' or 'Anfang', which can sound more neutral or formal. 'Start' often implies an active, intentional beginning (e.g., 'Start des Motors' = engine start). In compound words, 'Start-' is a productive prefix (e.g., 'Startknopf' = start button).

Word Breakdown

Start
start/beginning
root
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